Former Los Angeles Lakers team president Magic Johnson said Friday he still feels a responsibility toward LeBron James since he played such a key role in the recruitment of the four-time NBA MVP.

"He signed knowing I was here. That we had a plan," Johnson told Ramona Shelburne of ESPN. "He knew he had a big brother in me as well. He could run things by me. He can still do that."

The Basketball Hall of Famer stepped down from the Lakers organization in April, stating in an impromptu press conference that the front-office role was too restrictive.

"I want to go back to having fun,"he saidat the time. "I want to go back to being who I was before taking on this job."

It doesn't appear he's done trying to help the Lakers build a championship contender, though.

Earlier this week, Johnson toldBill Oramof The Athletic he still reaches out to members of the Lakers brass, including CEO Jeanie Buss, with his take on the team's potential moves.

"I've sent messages, I've left her messages," he said. "... I call her assistant or whoever and just like I say, 'Hey, we've got to do [the Anthony Davis trade].' I left them all a message: 'You've got to do it.' Because now you're set for 10 years, even after LeBron. And I'm glad they did it."

AlthoughBrad Turnerof theLos Angeles Timesreported Johnson was scheduled to take part in a meeting with representatives for impending superstar free agent Kawhi Leonard, Johnson explained to Shelburne he's not permitted to take part in those types of official team activities:

Ramona Shelburne @ramonashelburne

Magic Johnson says he will help the Los Angeles Lakers in free agency in any way he can, but he is not permitted by NBA rules to be part of official team meetings with prospective free agents. Johnson said he has not been asked by the Lakers or owner Jeanie Buss to participate.

Regardless, it's clear Johnson feels a strong connection to both James and the franchise as a whole after leading L.A. to five NBA championships during his playing days.

It's unknown whether James, who said Magic's exitblindsided him, remains in contact with the Lakers legend.